February 2008 Recommendations

You may order these books through your favourite bookstore or online by clicking on title in February's Recommendations at the right side of this page.

Ingenuity, Determination & Hope Battle Adversity

The stories of how people manage to persevere and triumph under difficult circumstances make for compelling reading for readers of all ages. Though these stories are sometimes heartbreaking, they are also inspiring and the best leave the reader with feelings of hope, optimism, and a determination to take on new challenges.

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
By Ellen Levin, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Scholastic, $20.99
In 1849, Henry “Box” Brown mailed himself from Richmond, Virginia to freedom in Philadelphia. Henry’s Freedom Box tells this true story in spare, simple text that describes Henry’s childhood as a slave, his marriage and children, the sale of his family, and his eventual escape in a wooden box shipped through the mail. The illustrations by Kadir Nelson were inspired by an antique lithograph of Henry “Box” Brown. The original lithograph was created in 1850 by Samuel Rowse as a fund-raiser for the anti-slavery movement. This picture book is an excellent addition to stories told about the Underground Railroad.

A Sweet Smell of Roses
By Angela Johnson, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), $7.99
The abolition of slavery in the United States did not mean the end of the struggle for equality. The Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s brought fame to some like Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks. Behind each of these high profile individuals, thousands of others marched in solidarity and helped bring about much needed change. Angela Johnson’s picture book pays homage to these nameless people, many of whom were children, who believed in the possibility of change. The central characters in this story are sisters who join a march led by Dr. Martin Luther King. The striking charcoal illustrations (each of which contains a splash of red) were inspired by Harvey Dinnerstein and Burt Silverman, artists who chronicled the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama in 1956.

The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations
By Alootook Ipellie with David MacDonald
Annick Press, $9.95
It’s hard to think of a more challenging environment in which to live, but the Inuit have called the Arctic home for thousands of years. Survival in such a harsh environment has required some amazing inventions, some of which are described in The Inuit Thought of It. Maps, fabulous photographs (some historical, some contemporary), and clear, simple text introduce readers to items like strong rope made of seal skin, bow drills, kayaks, caribou skin sleeping bags, and parkas as well as traditional games, stories, and dolls. A fascinating peek at a society that has survived by being adaptable, this book was written by Alootook Ipellie, an Inuit artist, writer, and poet who was born and raised near Iqaluit on Baffin Island.

Great Women from Our First Nations
By Kelly Fournel
Second Story Press, $10.95
Metis author, Kelly Fournel hopes to inspire readers to “become more aware of the potential that lies inside of each of us, regardless of where we live and which culture we call our own.” By selecting First Nations women both contemporary and from the past and from various places in the United States and Canada, Fournel offers up a great selection of interesting and inspiring short biographies. Some of the women featured include journalist and broadcaster Suzanne Rochon-Burnett, Inuit singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark, and prima ballerina Maria Tallchief.

Exceptional Women Environmentalists
By Frances Rooney
Second Story Press, $10.95
I was part of the generation that grew up with the spectre of a nuclear winter. Children today might not know much about cruise missiles, but they are well aware of global warming, toxic waste and dying forests. Though Exceptional Women Environmentalists doesn’t gloss over the serious environmental challenges facing the planet, ultimately the message delivered is one of hope and encouragement. By showcasing 10 women whose courage and determination have had a positive impact on the environment, the book leaves readers with a sense of hope and inspiration. The women featured include Rachel Carson, Vandana Shiva, and Jane Goodall. The collective accomplishments of these women include introducing efficient solar-powered stoves to war-ravaged Somalia, bringing attention to the effects of POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) and the impact of global warming in the Arctic, writing hundreds of articles and books, and speaking at major environmental conferences around the world.

This is My Planet: The Kids’ Guide to Global Warming
By Jan Thornhill
Maple Tree Press, $12.95
Award-winning author Jan Thornhill’s new book begins with a general discussion about how the planet works and the nature of climate change (how it happens, how scientists measure change). Thornhill then describes the impact of climate change on the poles, the ocean and the land. The final section focuses on the human population and how we are affected by (and affect) our environment. Young readers are encouraged to become part of the solution with a list of suggestions of ways to combat global warming (plant a tree, don’t drink bottled water, turn off the lights). The bright, colourful design, great photographs and simple text make this an accessible first look at a complex topic.

Nikki Tate is an author who lives on Vancouver Island. Kids who like to write should visit Nikki’s website at www.tarragonisland.com or www.stablemates.net.